Beyond The Backyard

Beyond The Backyard follows a group of men who create a cricket team in order to revisit some childhood dreams. Like so many kids, they once dreamt they'd be famous cricketers, representing their country. But funnily enough, things haven't turned out that way.

So 20 years later, on the cusp of sporting oblivion, they return to the game they loved as boys and form The Guild Cricket Club - 18 former backyard heroes assembled on the strength of their imagination more than natural ability. Their quest is one last glorious innings. All they need to do is play with the same fearless instinct they possessed as kids.

The team sets its sights on India, where cricket's an unparalleled national obsession, and where they're convinced anything's possible. They have three weeks to realise their dreams, and a lot of ground to cover. First stop: the southern city of Mysore.

As the team travels across the country, entangled in the brilliant rhythm of India, there are moments when anything seems possible. But a run of injuries, dietary problems and failing imaginations results in some heavy losses, leaving the players to confront the fact they may be kidding themselves.

However, an unexpected invitation to venture beyond India, to Bhutan, a mysterious Himalayan kingdom, revives their quest and restores their gallant sense of destiny. Archery, not cricket, is the national obsession in Bhutan. But following the introduction of television - and cricket telecasts - in 1999, the popularity of cricket has grown rapidly.

Bhutan throws down a challenge: inviting The Guild to the Kingdom to take on their emerging national side, for what will be the first-ever 'international' match on Bhutanese soil. With school children, passing monks and local sorcerers all swept up in the cricket fever, the scene is set for an historic showdown.